The Hunter
is the largest regional economy in Australia, ranking above Tasmania, the
Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory in terms of economic
output. It drives around 28 per cent of regional NSW’s total economic output
and is the largest regional contributor to the State’s gross domestic product.
Singleton’s share in this economic output is a massive 25%, with gross regional
product topping $4.1 billion in 2017.
The Hunter
region has an estimated 322,000 jobs and this is projected to increase to
384,000 by 2036. There is potential to achieve higher jobs growth by planning
for more diversified use of employment land. Of the $15,000+ jobs in Singleton
35% are imported from other local government areas.
Singleton
is a vibrant and diverse regional town, located at the centre of the Hunter
Valley, 200km North West of Sydney, 75km from Newcastle via the Hunter
Expressway and covers an area of 4,893 sq km’s. With a population nearing
24,000, the local economy of Singleton is supported by a diverse industrial
base, skilled labour force and industry access to vital infrastructure.
Singleton is also surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake St Clair, Mt Royal,
Yengo and Wollemi National Parks.
Singleton
is within one of Australia’s premier wine producing regions and has over 40
vineyards, wineries and cellar doors to attract residents and visitors.
Founded on
agriculture, driven by coal and sustained by the Hunter River, Singleton holds
an important place in NSW. From its beginnings as a significant Aboriginal and
then European settlement, Singleton has developed into an economic engine for
the Hunter and NSW, with major industries including coal mining and
construction, tourism, Defence, agricultural production and viticulture.
As the gateway between the Upper and Lower
Hunter, the newly opened Hunter Expressway has made Singleton even more
accessible to the Port and coastal attractions of Newcastle, as well as an easy
2.5 hours’ drive to Sydney. Rail and air transport links allow convenient
access to major cities on the eastern seaboard and beyond.
